Community is what we rely on when life gets hard.

An interview with Amanda Simms on the story behind the Simms Community Impact Foundation

When Amanda Simms, CEO of Simms & Associates, cared for her mother during her final years, she found herself facing a challenge many families living abroad will recognize — the struggle to find care and connection far from home.
What began as a deeply personal experience has now evolved into something bigger: the creation of the Simms Community Impact Foundation (Simmspact), an initiative dedicated to empowering communities to care for one another — locally and globally.

We spoke with Amanda about what inspired the foundation, its first project in Valencia, and what she hopes it will achieve in the years to come.

Amanda, can you tell us a little about how the idea for the Simms Community Impact Foundation came about?

When I was caring for my mum during her final years, I was looking for help in our local community and unable to find any. For us, it was a particular situation – English-speaking elderly care in Valencia City – but it made me think that there are so many areas in life where community can step in to help where there may be gaps, or where people need something a bit more tailored to their specific needs.

In the past, our community was what we relied on when we needed help. In today’s world, that sometimes gets lost. I felt it was important, for me and the entire Simms & Associates global team, to find ways to give back to our communities around the globe and find ways where we could be of service.

What is the Simms Community Impact Foundation, and what does it aim to do?

Our mission is simple: to inspire and empower communities to care for one another — locally and globally — through inclusive, compassionate, and purpose-driven initiatives that uplift lives and foster connection.

We want to enable people to make a tangible difference — starting within their own communities, and then expanding that impact across borders.

How does the foundation work in practice?

Right now, we’re starting close to home. Our global headquarters is in Valencia, Spain, and we’re launching a local initiative here. On a broader scale, our team will look for opportunities to make an impact in other communities, developing programs according to local needs.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — how does this launch connect with that cause, and what does it mean to you personally?

My experience caring for my mum with Alzheimer’s showed me how valuable community support is for those affected by the disease and their caregivers.
Our foundation launches in November with the Impact Valencia program, focused on supporting English-speaking seniors in Valencia. Inspired by my personal connection to Alzheimer’s care, we’re starting with social events for those facing similar challenges — creating spaces for connection and understanding.

What was the biggest challenge you encountered when trying to find the right care for your mom here in Spain?

The main challenge was finding native English-speaking carers who could support my mum at home and adjust care as her needs evolved — from companionship in the beginning to nursing care at the end.

When did you realise that this wasn’t just your family’s challenge, but something that many other expat families are facing too?

Early on, I recognised that others were likely facing similar challenges. Valencia has a significant and growing population of English-speaking immigrants, yet most community groups for elderly English speakers are designed for people who are healthy and enjoying retirement.

I figured there had to be other people in the same boat — and it turns out I was right.

Beyond language, what are some of the emotional or cultural challenges you’ve seen families face when caring for elderly loved ones abroad?

Quite often, as an immigrant to a country, there can be a sense of being on your own.
Here in Spain, there’s a beautiful culture of family support, especially when a loved one is unable to care for themselves. Without that local support, it becomes much harder.

I’ve spoken with people who moved here with their spouse, while their children remain back home. Others have parents or grandparents in Spain who once spoke Spanish and lived independently, but now find themselves isolated and unable to communicate.

In both cases, there’s a deep emotional burden — either from aging parents feeling they must leave behind the life they love, or from families far away, unsure how to help.

What kind of impact do you hope the Simms Community Impact Foundation will have in the coming years?

With Impact Valencia, we aim to build a supportive community for carers and those needing assistance — offering social connections and in-home care.
We’ll start by focusing on companionship and home care services, with the goal of eventually creating private live-in care homes that offer a true sense of belonging and comfort.

But the broader vision is global. We want to support community-led initiatives — whether it’s elder care, youth mentorship, or mental health programs — wherever there’s a chance to make life a little better.

How can people get involved or support the foundation’s work?

People can get in touch with us at info@simms-impact.org.

In time, we’ll open opportunities for volunteering, partnerships, and project proposals from our global community.
The more hands and hearts involved, the stronger the impact we can make together.

Finally, what message would you like to share with families who might be struggling with similar situations right now?

You’re not alone.
It can feel very lonely to navigate this in a new country, or to try to support a loved one from afar.
If you need help, information, companionship, or simply someone to talk to — reach out.
That’s exactly why we created Simms Community Impact Foundation

About the Foundation

The Simms Community Impact Foundation was founded by Simms & Associates to give back to the world around us.
Its mission is to inspire and empower communities to care for one another — locally and globally — through inclusive, compassionate, and purpose-driven initiatives that uplift lives and foster connection.

Learn more at simms-impact.org
📩 info@simms-impact.org
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